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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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The CW Smacks Down WWE

Network will drop wrestling mainstay from schedule

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(Newser) – The CW network and wrestling show/ratings bonanza "Smackdown" are no longer a tag team, Variety reports. Speculation is that the network and World Wrestling Entertainment couldn’t agree on a price for the new season; the CW is also trying to foster a more feminine image. But it's a risky move as the network tries to maintain ratings against larger competitors.

Meanwhile, wrestling fans don’t yet know where they'll get their fix after this season. The WWE has been searching for a new "Smackdown" home since last week, but sources indicate it might have to settle for a cable network like USA—a humbling fall from the top turnbuckle for a program that has been with the CW/UPN franchise since 1999.

WWE chairman Vince McMahon speaks at the press conference to announce details of Wrestlemania 23 on March 28, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
WWE chairman Vince McMahon speaks at the press conference to announce details of Wrestlemania 23 on March 28, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)   (Getty Images)
WWE Superstar John Cena works the crowd during the Royal Rumble at Madison Square Garden. The CW will cease airing the WWE's
WWE Superstar John Cena works the crowd during the Royal Rumble at Madison Square Garden. The CW will cease airing the WWE's "Smackdown" franchise after failing to renew a deal with the wrestling organization.   (Associated Press)
The CW network, unable to reach a new deal with the Sports Entertainment Giant, will cease airing the WWE's
The CW network, unable to reach a new deal with the Sports Entertainment Giant, will cease airing the WWE's "Smackdown!" at the end of its current season.   (cw.com)
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon gestures after being introduced at Wrestlemania 23 at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, April 1, 2007.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon gestures after being introduced at Wrestlemania 23 at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, April 1, 2007. "After a successful decade of 'Smackdown' on both UPN and the CW, World Wrestling...   (Associated Press)
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